Rainwater Harvesting Events for June 2013: Chance to See and Learn

Innovative Water Solutions has some important events coming up in June 2013 where you can see one of our rainwater collection systems, learn more about our services, and learn how the rainwater catchment industry almost went down the wrong path.

Rainwater Harvesting System Tour

Once again, Austin Energy Green Building and the Texas Solar Energy Society collaborate to showcase homes and projects that are designed and built to high standards of energy efficiency, comfort and attractive design. This year, there will be 8 homes, one duplex and one multifamily project. Learn from the homeowners and their professionals who worked on the homes.

The guidebook is $20 and is your ticket to the tour. One book per person; children 12 and under free. Guidebooks are available at the following locations through the day of the tour:
Treehouse at Westgate Shopping Center
Zinger Hardware next to Central Market North

IWS installed the rainwater harvesting system at 700 West Monroe, 78704 for Finn Design Build. This home addresses the needs of an expanding demographic in our society- an aging population who wish to continue living in their own home. The design and construction of this project comfortably accommodates multiple generations under one roof with semi-private housing for live-in assistance.

Meet Us to Learn More

This expo will be filled with opportunities for you to learn about a myriad of green topics ranging from solar energy, rainwater harvesting, to home building. Along with the exhibition area, you will be able to listen to 30+ of the best minds in conservation and renewable resources. There will be many great entertainers on the stage there as well.

IWS will be exhibiting in the “Water Village” section of the expo. Stop by our booth to discuss all things water conservation including rainwater collection, graywater reuse, efficient irrigation practices, and landscaping adaptations for our climate.

Tickets for adults costs $5 per day at the door or $8 for all 3 days. Children under 12 are free.

Rainwater Collection Special Event

Join us to begin organizing for effective, pro-active, rainwater harvesting advocacy in the interests of consumers, installers, manufacturers, vendors and municipalities.

We are at a ‘crossroads,’ friends. Are we going to define our industry or let others do it? Are we going to “continue our advocacy the same as before” or “step up our game”? The answers to these and many other questions are up to us. We look forward to welcoming you to this critically important conversation and the opportunity to begin developing informed answers and effective advocacy for everyone who enjoys or plans to enjoy all the benefits of rain harvesting.

The Back Story

A small trade association of plumbers and contractors based in southeast Harris County reportedly pushed for introduction of H.B. 2062 in the Texas House of Representatives Feb. 28, 2013. The bill read, in part:

“Plumbing means the installation, repair, and service of equipment for rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting” means the capture, diversion, storage, treatment, and distribution of rainwater from a roof structure for landscape irrigation, potable drinking water, or nonpotable use for a personal residence or domestic use.”

H.B. 2062 as introduced could have been detrimental to the rainwater harvesting industry. Fewer systems would have almost certainly been built and at higher prices and lower quality.

But because of the dedicated work of a small group of rainwater professionals, the worst of H.B. 2062 appears to have been struck. Next time could be different – very different, and very bad.

Civil engineer and urban planner focused on creating impacting and sustainable projects by identifying all of the hidden water conservation opportunities available. Particularly interested in working within the realms of sustainable site planning, conservation subdivision design, integrated water management and planning, and low impact development practices.